School officials at Foxcroft Academy have told a student to cover up a Confederate flag on the tailgate of his truck.

Chris Dow said he spent the summer painting the flag on his truck.

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Dow said the flag is a source of pride because he grew up in the south.

His family believes the school is restricting his free speech, but school officials have different opinion on the situation.

"We're a home for 150 adults and students, and it was decided that it doesn't meet our mission or guiding principles, and unfortunately the flag has become symbolized with hate and intolerance and bigotry, and we decided we can't have it on campus, so we talked to the individuals and respectfully asked them, you know, please, while you're on campus, remove the flag," head of schools Arnold Schorey said.

Dow's mother said in a statement that the flag was not meant to be offensive or hurtful.

School officials said if the flag is not covered, her son will not be allowed to park on campus.